Springbok star ruled out for months after surgery
A leading Springbok is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery for a serious injury.
The Springboks’ 2026 season gets underway in just over four months, and so the national coaches will be keeping a close eye on the various injury reports at the domestic franchises as the URC and Champions Cup competitions head towards the business end.
There was some good news on Thursday when it was confirmed that rising star Cameron Hanekom was ready to make his return from injury when the Bulls face off against Cardiff at Loftus on Friday, but Springbok prospect Sebastian de Klerk will be out until the end of the year due to a foot injury.
Another team announcement revealed a big concern as the Sharks confirmed that Springbok star Aphelele Fassi was set to be out of action for some time.
Springbok and Sharks star goes under the knife
The talented fullback picked up a shoulder injury against the Lions last month, and it was ultimately decided that he needed to undergo surgery.
“He [Fassi] went for a shoulder operation,” Pietersen told the media. “So that probably means he will be out for the three months.”
The good news is that Fassi should at least return from injury just in time to be considered for the Springboks’ season-opener against the Barbarians at the end of June.
Special moment for Mapimpi and Kolisi
As the Sharks prepare to welcome Munster to Kings Park on Saturday, it will represent a major individual milestone for Makazole Mapimpi as he will play in his 100th game for the Sharks, joining an elite group of centurions.
Meanwhile, Siya Kolisi returns to the starting line-up, and will earn his 50th cap.
Sharks: 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (captain), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Phatu Ganyane
Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Hakeen Kunene
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